BuckeyeGrove.com - Northwestern no longer a joke

November 5, 2008

Ari Wasserman
Staff Writer

It wasn't too long ago when Northwestern was one of the jokes of the Big Ten Conference.

This season, the joke has been on most of the Wildcats' opponents, as they have cruised to a 7-2 record (3-2 conference) ? their best start since 2000 ? as last weekend's victory ensured Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald his first winning record and a bowl bid.

Northwestern is coming off perhaps its biggest win over previously ranked Minnesota, as Brendan Smith intercepted a pass and took it back for a touchdown with 12 second remaining to break a tie and give the Wildcats a 24-17 victory over the Gophers.

"I got the ball and just thought, 'Touchdown,'" Smith told the Associated Press after the game. "I think everyone should think that when they get the ball in their hands with however many seconds left. I tried to take it to the sideline and make something happen."

With just one interception, the momentum of the Northwestern program has been thrown into the most positive condition it has been in recent memory. The play itself has sparked the Wildcats' season.

"That's what Brendan can do with the ball and that's why we have him returning punts, he has great vision. He got to the sideline like you coach it, set up the picket fence and follow your blockers," Fitzgerald said. "It's one of those where you want him to go down, then keep going, then he made some guys miss and there were no penalties. Great run by Smitty."

Aside from the questionable play call by the Minnesota staff to throw the ball downfield with little time left in the game before an eventual overtime, the win proved that Northwestern is here to stay.

What's even more impressive was Northwestern's ability to take care of business without quarterback C.J. Bacher and standout running back Tyrell Sutton, both of which were once thought to be the key to the school's success.

It was like they weren't even missed.

Reserve quarterback Mike Kafka made plays seemingly every snap, as the signal-caller rushed for 217 yards ? a school record for rushing yards for a quarterback ? and went 12-of-16 through the air for 143 yards and touchdowns.

Both Kafka and Smith won Big Ten Player of the Week honors for their performances in the Minnesota game.

"I thought he managed the game well. There were a few throws he'd like to have back, one where the DB made a nice break on the ball and took it to the house," Fitzgerald said in his weekly press conference Monday. "I really liked the way he ran the ball, stayed behind his pads and made good decisions. When the plays weren't there he didn't try to force the ball, just played within himself and took what the defense gave him. That's what we need to do."

While Bach?may be back this week when Ohio State invades Evanston, Fitzgerald has confidence in the capabilities in both of his programs. That being said, Fitzgerald said he would start Bach?if he is ready to play Saturday.

"As far as our quarterback situation it will be C.J. (Bach? or Mike (Kafka), and we'll make that evaluation as things go along. C.J.'s improving every day and if we can get him up to full speed or as close as possible to it, he is our starting quarterback," Fitzgerald said. "I'm proud of how Mike stepped up in his opportunity to play. Looking at the tape, we feel fortunate to win that football game. I don't believe it was one of our best performances of the year but I do applaud the way our guys fought for 60 minutes and found a way to win.

"I look at what C.J. has done leading us to six victories and he's played very well and he's our starting quarterback. I look at the positives of what C.J. brings to the table when healthy in helping us go out and execute our offense like a senior captain can," Fitzgerald added. "I'm just proud of Mike for the way he stepped up and we've got one of those special problems you like to have where you have two quarterbacks who can help your football team win. It sure beats the alternative."

While Northwestern has enjoyed the victory over Minnesota, the Wildcats have turned their focus to the No. 11 Buckeyes, who have a plenty of weapons to contend with. One of those weapons the Wildcats undoubtedly spend time simulating is Ohio State freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor.

"Terrelle's a very explosive athlete. What jumps out to me is his maturity, you can see they've opened up the playbook a little bit more for him and given him an opportunity to showcase his talents," Fitzgerald said. "Watching the tape last night I kind of became a fan just watching the way he can make plays and spread it out to a very potent and dangerous offense."

Ari Wasserman is a staff writer for BuckeyeGrove.com. He can be reached at AriWasserman@gmail.com.

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